STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — The most frustrating element, Steamboat Springs High School volleyball coach Wendy Hall said, is that the components seem to be there.

"Every time we step out on the court, I think we're going to turn it around," she said.

Friday didn't prove to be the night the Sailors would turn it around. Steamboat put together some strong streaks, some powerful points, but Palisade was stronger longer and won the points that mattered the most, cruising to a three-set victory, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20.

That loss for Steamboat drops the squad to 4-9 on the season and 0-4 in the Western Slope League.

"When we battle our way back in or when we stay with a team, we somehow can't put the pedal down at that point," Hall said. "To beat good teams, you have to make plays at the end of the set and at the end of the match. We seem to make big plays along the way, but when it matters the most, we make silly mistakes."

The final set from Friday's match proved to be a fine example.

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Steamboat struggled through the middle portion of the set. Things were tied 7-7 before Palisade rattled off 12 of the next 14 points to go up 19-9. So much for that, huh?

Except, Steamboat nearly came all the way back, scoring 10 of 12 to pull within 21-19.

Two crucial mistakes down the stretch helped blunt that momentum.

"We battle all the way back, then we miss two serves at the end," Hall said. "I just hope they're not content with trying hard. They have to be hungry for a win. They have to believe they can go, fight and get one. It will take all of them collectively to get one."

The next chance for that comes quickly. The team plays at 1 p.m. Saturday at home against Rifle.

The matchup does offer an opportunity. Steamboat's first four league games came against the league's top four teams. Palisade's 5-1 in the Slope and comfortably in second place.

Rifle's record is similar to Steamboat's, 3-8 overall and 1-4 in the league.

It's anything but a sure win, however.

There were good moments Friday. Anna Allsberry finished with 14 kills to lead the team and Micah Feeley had nine. Abi Berlet and Maddie Heydon didn't miss a serve.

Still, it'll take that and a bit more to get it done.

"We have the skill and we have the want to win," Feeley said. "It's that last little push, putting ourselves in position to win."